plate no. 1211

The Parish Hall

Dorrit Black, 1937

oilCubismcityscapebuildingchurchtreesskypathlandscape

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in simplifying complex forms into geometric shapes and using a limited palette to create a cohesive and stylized landscape.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 6 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Lightly sketch the basic shapes of the buildings, tree, and path, focusing on their geometric forms.
step 02
Block in the sky with a light wash, creating the cloudy effect with dry brush strokes.
step 03
Apply the base colors for the buildings, using a mix of white with browns and blues to create the off-white tone.
step 04
Add the roof details and window shapes with darker browns and blues, maintaining the geometric style.
step 05
Paint the tree using varying shades of green and blue, emphasizing the simplified, blocky shapes of the foliage.
step 06
Define the path and grass area with shades of green, brown, and yellow, using short, choppy brushstrokes.
step 07
Add final details and highlights to the buildings and tree to enhance the form and depth.
step 08
Review and adjust the colors and shapes to match the original painting's stylized aesthetic.

color palette

primary · white · brown · green · blue

secondary · yellow · red

Mix white with small amounts of brown and blue to achieve the off-white color of the buildings. Combine greens and blues to create the various shades of foliage. Use red and brown to create the path.

techniques